A strong underlying case can still get delayed or denied over mistakes that have nothing to do with eligibility. Knowing the common ones is the easiest way to avoid them.
Inconsistent information across forms
Names, dates, and addresses that don't match exactly across different forms and supporting documents are one of the most common triggers for a Request for Evidence or outright denial.
Missing signatures and outdated form versions
Immigration forms are updated periodically, and using an outdated version — or missing a required signature — is an easy, entirely avoidable reason for a petition to be rejected outright.
Insufficient evidence, not weak evidence
Many denials happen not because the evidence submitted was bad, but because there wasn't enough of it to meet the standard for that category — a common gap between what an applicant assumes is 'obviously true' and what actually needs documentation.
Missed deadlines during Requests for Evidence
When a Request for Evidence comes back, the response deadline is strict. Missing it — even by a small margin — typically results in the petition being denied on the record as it stood.